Headaches are very common; almost everyone will experience a headache at some point in their life. This can be due to stress levels, lack of sleep, or dehydration. Headaches can disrupt your personal life by occurring frequently or being so intense as to be debilitating. The good news is that you do not have to live with recurring or debilitating headaches.
Occasional headaches are common, but daily or weekly headaches are not considered normal. This is your body’s way of saying that something isn’t working properly. Recurring headaches can be caused by a handful of different stressors, including stress, tight muscles, poor sleeping habits, and dehydration. Subluxations of the cervical spine are also a major contributor to recurring headaches. We must figure out what causes your headaches so we can achieve better results with our treatment.
$67 New Patient Headaches Health Screening
This thorough assessment includes a consultation, examination, and one set of X-rays, if needed.
Unfortunately, not all headaches are the same or treated the same. For example, tension headaches are tied to muscle tightness and high stress levels. Migraines can present with nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Cervicogenic headaches can be caused by subluxations in the cervical spine and can improve once the subluxation is addressed.
While taking over-the-counter medication may be an option to alleviate the discomfort associated with headaches, it will not address the root cause of your headaches. If your headaches are related to muscle tension, joint restrictions, or poor posture, those issues will persist once your medication wears off. Our goal is to make sure that your headache does not become a “normal” part of your life. We do this by identifying the root cause through a detailed exam and treating the tissues that contribute to your headache.
How Our Headache Care Plan Works
Get Out Of Pain
We pride ourselves on getting to the root cause of the issue to get you out of pain and keep you that way. Each chiropractor takes their time to really listen to and address each of your concerns.
Corrective Care
Structural problems demand structural solutions. Our care is designed to address the spinal misalignments and postural distortions that are causing your symptoms for long-term pain relief.
Find Stability
We aren’t interested in masking your symptoms. We’re committed to long-term well-being so you can take control of your life and be prepared for anything that comes your way.
How We Treat Headaches in Lubbock, TX
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
During your first visit, we will take our time to understand what brought you into our clinic. We will take time to understand better your headache presentation and how it is affecting your everyday life. Afterward, we will perform a detailed exam to evaluate the quality of your movement and posture and to identify any factors that may be causing your headache. Doing this will help ensure that our treatment is specific to you. Accuracy is important because not all headaches are the same.
Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays are a great tool for evaluating the neck, especially if it is the cause of your headaches. They help provide a clear view of the spine’s structure and alignment and identify underlying conditions such as arthritis, abnormal curvatures, or signs of an old injury that may contribute to your pain. X-rays are safe and use only a minimal amount of radiation; we only recommend them when necessary. Imaging allows us to be more specific with our treatment, so we can focus on the area that needs more attention.
Specific Chiropractic Care
A subluxation is when two or more vertebrae of the spine are restricted and unable to glide properly. This joint restriction can lead to increased pain, increased inflammation, and reduced range of motion in that segment. These changes can cause or worsen your headaches. With our adjustments, we can be specific based on our exam findings and X-ray results. These specific adjustments allow us to clear the joint restriction, thus alleviating your symptoms. Chiropractic care is a valuable tool because it promotes movement early on in your treatment.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a treatment in which we insert a very thin needle into a tight or irritated muscle. By addressing the irritated muscles, we can reduce muscle tightness, improve blood flow, and restore normal muscle function. Research has shown that trigger points in these muscles can refer pain into the head, leading to tension-type and cervicogenic headaches. Dry needling can help reduce headache frequency and intensity while improving neck range of motion.
Common Types of Headaches We Treat in Lubbock, TX
Tension Headaches
Patients often describe tension headaches as feeling like a rubber band squeezing their head. You can identify them by the location of the discomfort: typically, a tension or dull ache around the forehead, temples, and back of the head, present on both sides. A handful of factors, such as stress, poor posture, muscle tension, and excessive computer use, can trigger tension headaches. At 1-Spine Chiropractic, we treat tension headaches with chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, and posture correction.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines typically feel like a throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. In severe cases, you may experience sensitivity to light, nausea, and/or vomiting. Some patients also experience visual changes known as auras. Multiple factors, such as stress, hormonal changes, poor sleep, and dehydration, can trigger migraines. While chiropractic care might not cure migraines, we can reduce their intensity and address any associated muscle tightness.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are often described as an intense, piercing pain behind the eye that occurs in “clusters.” The cause of cluster headaches is not fully understood, but alcohol, smoking, and changes in sleeping patterns can trigger them. At our clinic, we help reduce the neck pain and discomfort associated with cluster headaches.
Allergy or Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are typically caused by inflammation of the sinuses, which can lead to pressure in the forehead, cheeks, and eyes. They often feel like a dull ache or heavy pressure that may worsen in certain positions. At 1-Spine, we use chiropractic care to help alleviate the pressure buildup that accompanies sinus headaches.
Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headaches usually begin in the neck or base of the skull and can radiate to the forehead. Most patients experience neck stiffness, reduced range of motion, and headache symptoms that worsen with movement. They are normally caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine, such as a subluxation. The best way to treat cervicogenic headaches is to address the underlying dysfunction causing the pain. By treating the underlying cause, we can achieve lasting relief.
Check Out Our Locations Near You
5214 75th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424
801 Avenue F, Levelland, TX 79336
Frequently Asked Questions About Headache Treatment
Is a chiropractor good for headaches?
Yes, a chiropractor should be your first stop for headaches. We can identify the source of your headaches and provide the appropriate treatment.
When should you see a chiropractor for headaches?
The sooner, the better. Starting treatment promptly can help us achieve results faster and prevent the condition from worsening.
Does insurance cover chiropractors for headaches?
Yes, chiropractic care is covered by most insurance plans. You can always call our office to confirm that we accept yours.
How can I relieve my headaches?
Being proactive with your lifestyle choices is always a good step toward alleviating headaches, such as drinking plenty of water and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. If you’re familiar with a lacrosse ball, you can use one to work out tight muscles that may be contributing to your headaches.
Can getting your neck adjusted help with headaches?
Most definitely! Headaches typically stem from neck subluxation and tight neck muscles. Adjustments can reduce muscle tension and address joint restrictions that contribute to headaches.
$67 New Patient Headaches Health Screening
This thorough assessment includes a consultation, examination, and one set of X-rays, if needed.